So, I officially had my first day with the BEDA program, and I’ll be working at a school in Aranjuez!
First impressions – I was pleasantly surprised. The school almost felt like a miniature university because all of the different educational levels, from Infantil and Primaria to Secundaria and Bachillerato, are located on the same campus. I thought that was such a neat concept, because it gives the school a little community of its own.
My coordinator met me at the front gate; we introduced ourselves, and he took me on a tour of the different buildings. Along the way, he introduced me to the other teachers, and we even popped into a few classrooms so I could meet the other auxiliares. Honestly, the whole experience felt incredibly warm and welcoming. I thought we accomplished quite a bit for a first day!
Between touring the school, meeting everyone, and finishing up paperwork, I didn’t actually do much teaching just yet. I did, however, sit in on a few classes to get a feel for the students, the teachers, and how things operate. It was nice to have a little time to observe before jumping into everything.
Now, one thing people sometimes associate with the BEDA program is its Catholic school environment. I’ve heard stories about schools incorporating prayers into the day or having nuns around, but I haven’t personally encountered either of those things so far. There is some religious artwork throughout the school, which is to be expected, but otherwise, the atmosphere felt pretty relaxed.
Even though the students have uniforms, the teachers don’t seem to have one. In fact, some were walking around in sweatpants, which honestly made me feel right at home. We love a comfortable workplace! But there’s something I do want to talk about because I think it’s important for anyone considering BEDA, especially if you’re coming from NALCAP.
A lot of people initially look into these programs because they want the auxiliar experience: the opportunity to live in Spain, improve their Spanish, experience a different culture, and work in a school without necessarily having the responsibilities of a full-time teacher. And while BEDA is still an auxiliar program, there are some differences worth understanding before making your decision.
One of the biggest distinctions is that BEDA has a university component tied to its student visa requirements. You’re not simply coming to Spain to participate in a cultural exchange. You’re also completing coursework and gaining practical teaching experience. In that sense, I would describe BEDA as having more of an internship or teaching practicum component.
With NALCAP, the focus is much more on cultural exchange. You’re there to support the classroom, help students practice their English, and share your language and culture. Of course, you still participate in classroom activities, but your role is generally more supportive.
With BEDA, there’s a little more emphasis on actively developing the students’ English skills. You’ll likely take on a more hands-on role, participate more directly in lessons, and have greater involvement in the classroom. That doesn’t mean you’re suddenly responsible for running an entire classroom by yourself, though. Your assigned teacher is still there to guide and support you, and you’re not supposed to be left alone with the students.
Also, before you start your aux position, you’ll attend one Zoom session per week for a month, which can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Sometime in November, you’ll also take a Spanish placement test. Your results will determine if you qualify for Spanish language courses or classes you’ll be placed in. So, if you’re coming from a program like NALCAP, you might feel like you’re taking on double the workload!
It’s also worth mentioning that, at least from my initial impression, the students at my new school seem a little more reserved and well-behaved compared to what I experienced in public schools with NALCAP. Now, that’s not to say they don’t have their moments. They’re still children, after all. They cry, get excited, get distracted, and occasionally test your patience. Some things are universal, regardless of the country or school system! But I have noticed a difference in the overall classroom atmosphere so far.
Ultimately, if you’re trying to decide between BEDA and NALCAP, I really encourage you to do your research and think about what you actually want out of the experience. I’ve now had the opportunity to participate in both, and while they may seem similar on the surface, they offer different experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities. Neither is necessarily better than the other. It really comes down to what you’re looking for.
As for me, I’m excited to see what this new chapter brings. I’ve spent the last couple of years learning the ins and outs of the Spanish education system, navigating different schools, meeting wonderful people, and figuring things out along the way. And now, here I am, starting over in a new city, with a new program, a new school, and plenty more to learn.
If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from my time abroad, it’s that no two years are ever quite the same. You walk into each new experience thinking you know a little more than you did before, only to realize there’s still so much left to discover. You learn something new, become a little more confident, grow into a different version of yourself, and sometimes leave a lasting impression on someone else’s life without even realizing it.
And honestly, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of living abroad. It’s not just about the places you get to see or the experiences you get to have. It’s also about the little lives you get to be part of, even if only for a short time.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, making memories, and hopefully making a difference along the way. Because if there’s anything worth doing, it’s something that leaves you and the people you meet a little better than you were before.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
